News

Cultural Awareness Strengthens Search and Rescue Response

Cultural Awareness Strengthens Search and Rescue Response November 2–8 marks Treaties Recognition Week in Ontario— an opportunity for Ontarians, and Canadians more broadly, to deepen understanding and engagement with Indigenous peoples as part of the ongoing process...

Can you guess who’s who?

We’re proud to welcome back our re-elected SARVAC Executive! 🙌 Janelle Coultes – SARVAC President Guy Lapointe – SARVAC Vice President Bobbi Buchanan – SARVAC Secretary Jason Hudson – SARVAC Treasurer Although not everyone could be present for a photo opportunity...

2025 SARVAC Humanitarian Workforce Wildfire Operations Recap 

July 15 – August 29, 2025 More than 179 trained Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) volunteers from across Canada answered the call to support wildfire response. Deployment Highlights Manitoba 107 responders 783 person-days Newfoundland & Labrador 88 responders 656...

Humanitarian Workforce (HWF) Deployment Update

This week, our final rotations remained fully engaged with operational tasks while preparing for demobilization. Some SARVAC HWF responders from Nova Scotia returned home on short notice to support their own communities facing active wildfire emergencies. Meanwhile,...

SARVAC Humanitarian Workforce Program (HWF) Update – NL and MB Deployments

📍 Newfoundland & Labrador: Since the start of this week, the National Incident Support Team (NIST) has been activated, and SARVAC HWF response planning is ongoing. Mission Ready Group NL Rotation 1 has been selected. Travel is arranged, a Base of Operations has...
🔥 Manitoba Wildfire Evacuation Support

🔥 Manitoba Wildfire Evacuation Support

Wildfires in northern Manitoba have forced thousands of residents to evacuate to Winnipeg and other centres. The Province is preparing large-scale shelter operations to accommodate up to 40,000 evacuees. 🦺 The Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC)...

National SAR Volunteer Study – Your Voice Matters

National SAR Volunteer Study – Your Voice Matters

Are You a Search and Rescue Volunteer in Canada? Your experience matters. Dr. Jelena Brcic from the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is leading a national research study exploring the successes and challenges of Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteers across Canada....

Attention Search and Rescue (SAR) Volunteers!

Attention Search and Rescue (SAR) Volunteers!

Your dedication and bravery in air, ground, and marine operations are invaluable. But we know that the mental health challenges that are faced are significant and often unrecognized. That’s why we’re reaching out for your help. A research team from the University of...

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